Class A - Region 3 Football Preview

Region 3 will once again be one of the most competitive regions
in Class A for 2005. Calvary Day School returns seven starters both
offensively and defensively. The Cavaliers will be led by Demarcus Dobbs,
who has college offers from Georgia Tech, UAB, and Ball State. The 6-3/
250 lb tight end looks to improve on his team leading 21 receptions in 2004
and will provide the Cavalier quarterbacks an easy target. The quarterbacking
duties could be shared between speedy Aric Lindblad and Hunter Smoak, who
threw for 11 TDs in 2004. Senior Brandon Hardy has back-to-back 1,000+ yard
rushing seasons and he looks to be the "go-to" back for the Cavaliers.
The Cavaliers key to the offense could be replacing two starters from last
year on the offensive line. The skill positions are solid and if the offensive
line comes through the Cavaliers will put a lot of points on the board.
Defensively the Cavalier linebacker corps is the strong suit. Led by Hunter
Smoak, Demarcus Dobbs, and returning leading tackler Justin Fields, the
group will be hard to move the ball on. Dobbs will see time at defensive
end and Tyler Boylston appears ready for a breakout season defensively.
Ryan Claus, who already holds the school record for interceptions, leads
the secondary.

McIntosh County Academy was the surprise team in 2004 by moving
to the quarterfinals before losing to Lincoln County. The Bucs lost four
skill position players who signed college scholarships but still return
six starters offensively and seven defensively. The team will be led by
Allen Bailey, a 6-4/ 257 lb junior linebacker who was All-State in 2004.
The Bucs will rely on the running game more during the upcoming season
and Jeremy Height looks to be the next in a long line of great running
backs out of MCA. The backs will run behind a huge offensive line that
will average near 300 lbs. The only unproven position defensively is at
cornerback where talent exists but experience is lacking.

First year Coach Pat Collins had the Portal Panthers on the prowl
in 2004, making the second round of the playoffs before falling to eventual
state champion Hawkinsville. The highly potent wing-t rushing attack that
produced two thousand-yard individual rushers will once again provide
a challenge to opponents. The Panthers return a number of starters and
look to go deeper into the playoffs in 2005.

The Savannah Country Day Hornets shocked everyone by defeating
Pacelli in the playoffs and went to the quarterfinals before falling to
Bowdon. The main task of the Hornets will be finding a replacement for
outstanding quarterback Charlie Compton. The Hornets return a good nucleus
and will again be in the playoff hunt.

Emanuel County Institute defeated Calvary Day late in 2004
to ensure a playoff berth. The Bulldogs fell in the first round to eventual
state champion Clinch County but once again will be looking to make the
playoffs in 2005.

Jenkins County has brought in new coach Chuck Conley. Conley has
been successful at other schools and will be looking for improvement and
an increase in participation out of the Eagles.

Long County will round out the region and simply looks to make any improvement
over the past season. The Blue Tide started the football program in the
last few years and are striving to increase participation and get a few
wins.

While Calvary Day is the pick for the region crown the final finish will
most likely be decided between the Cavaliers, MCA, and Portal in some
order.